Oklahoma State AD regrets criticizing Gundy over recruiting

Oklahoma State’s athletic director apologized for criticizing Mike Gundy and his staff’s recruiting.

Appearing on the “Pistols Firing Podcast” two weeks ago, AD Mike Mike Holder complimented Gundy but criticized him for his recruiting.

“He’s really matured into a difference-maker as a coach,” Holder said. “I would approach recruiting a little differently than he does. I’d want to finish up higher in those recruiting rankings than we consistently do. I think that ultimately puts a ceiling on what you’re able to achieve.

“I’m patting them on the back at the same time I’m challenging them to get out there and do a little bit more recruiting. Recruiting’s the most important thing we do, and you’re only as good as your athletes.”

It didn’t take Holder long to say he regretted his remarks.

“What I should have been doing is encouraging me, as the athletic director, to do a better job of getting the message out that this is a great place to get an education and further your dreams as an athlete, not just in football but across the spectrum of every sport that we offer here,” Holder told the Tulsa World. “And challenge myself to do a better job of that. That’s what I regret.”

Holder says he has not talked with Gundy since the podcast.

Gundy has been the best head coach in the program’s history by far. He’s led them to three straight double-digit win seasons and six overall in his 13 seasons as head coach. He’s gone 8-4 in bowl games and had his team ranked in the final top 25 poll seven times, including a school-best No. 3 ranking in 2011.

Whether it’s Holder or school booster T. Boone Pickens, Gundy sure seems to take a lot of grief in Stillwater despite being an excellent coach.